The National tribune., 1887-02-17
upon the pensiOn-rOll through alleged depend

upon the pension-roll through alleged depend
ence.
Recent personal observation and experience
const-ain me to refer to another result which
will inevitably follow the passage Of this bill.
1t is sad, but nevertheless true, that already in
the matter Of procuring pensions there exists q
widespread disregard Of truth and good faith,
stimulated by those who as agents undertake
TO establish claims for pensions, heedlessly en-
tered upon by the expectant beneficiary and
encouraged, or at least not condemned, by those
unwilling to obstruct a neighbor's plans.
In the execution of this proposed law, under
any Interpretation, wide field of inquiry
would be opened for the establishment of facts
largely within the knowledge of the claimants
alone; and there can be no doubt that the race
after the pensions offered By this bill would not
only stimulate weakness and pretended inca
pacity for labor, but put further premium on
dishonesty and mendacity,
The effect of new invitations TO apply for
pensions, or of new advantages added to causes
for pensions already existing, is sometimes
startling.
Thus in March, 1879, large arrearages Of PEN
sons were allowed to be added to all claims
filed prior to July /, 1850. For the year from
July j, 1873, to July !, 1880 there were filed
1868 claims, though in the year Immediately
previous there were but 81, S32 filed, and in the
year following but 1S,455.
While cost should not be set against pa
triotc duty or the recognition of a right, still,
when measure proposed is based upon gener-
osity or motives of charity, il is not amiss to
mediate somewhat upon the expense which it
involves. Experience has demonstrated, be-
heye, that all estimates concerning the proba-
bic future cost of a pension list are uncertain
and unreliable, and always fall far below actual
realization.
The Chairman of the House Committee on
Pensions calculates that the number of pension
ers under this bill would be 80, 105, and the in
creased cost Si,767, ,l20; this is upon the theory
that only those who are entirely unable to work
would he its beneficiaries. Such was the priu-
ciple of the Revolutionary pension law of 1918,
much more clearly stated, il seems TO me- than
in this bill. When the law Of 1918 was upon
lis passage in Congress the number of pension
ers to be benefited thereby was thought TO be
34; but the number of applicants under the
act was 22,297, and the number Of pensions ac-
tually allowed 20,4S5, costing it is reported,
for the first year, 81, 81, ,9OO instead of $4,000
the estimated expense for that period.
a law was passed in 1853 for the benefit of
the surviving widows of Revolutionary soldiers
who were married after Jan. j, $500. 1t was
estimated that they numbered 300 at the time
of the passage of the act; but the number of
pensions allowed was 3742, and the amount
paid for such pensions during the first year of
81, 900 rs bad been estimated.
have made no search for other Illustrations
and the above being at hand, are given as tend
ing TO show that estimates cannot be relied
upon in such cases.
If none should be pensoned under this bill
except those utterly unable to work, am sat
isfied that the cost stated in the estimate re-
ferred TO would be many times multiplied, and
with constant increase from year to year;
naW.Ia sl.saaa e.1N a.
port should be admitted to the privileges of this
bill, the probable increase OF expense would be
almost appalling.
think it may be said that at the close Of
the war OF the rebellion every Northern State
and great majority of Northern Counties and
cities, were burdened with taxation on account
of the large bounties paid our soldiers; and the
bonded debt thereby created still constitutes
large item in the account Of the tax-gatherer
against the people. Federal taxation, no less
borne by the people than that directly levied
upon their property, is still maintained at the
rate made necessary by the exigencies of war.
III this bill should become n law, with its tre-
mendous addition TO our pension obligation, /
am thoroughly convinced that further efforts
TO reduce the Federal revenue and restore some
part OF 1t to our people, will and perhaps should
be seriously questioned.
1t has constantly been cause OF pride and
country is not put TO the charge of maintaining
large standing army in time of peace. Yet
we are now living under war tax which las
been tolerated in peaceful times TO meet the
obligations incurred in war. But for years past,
in all parts Of the country, the demand for the
reduction Of the burdens Of taxation upon our
labor and production has increased in volume
and urgency.
am not willing TO approve measure pre-
IA fa xrhf oh ,fS 4
ject, and which moreover will have the effect
OF ofdisappointing the expectation of the people
and their desire and hope for relief from war
taxation in time of peace.
In my last annual message the following
language was used:
Every patriotic heart responds to tender
consideration for those who, having served
their country long and well. are reduced to des-
titution and dependence, not rs an incident of
their service, but with advancing age or
through sickness or misfortune. We are all
tempted by the contemplation of such a condi-
tion 10 supply relief, and are often impatient of
the limitations Of public duty. Yielding TO no
one in the desire TO indulge this feeling of con-
sideratiOn, cannot rid myself of the convic-
ti0n that If these ex-soldiers are to be relieved
they and their cause are entitled to the benefit
Of an enactment under which relief NAV be
claimed as right and that such relief should
be granted under the sanction of law, not in
evasion of it; nor should such worthy objects
Of care, all equally entitled be remitted TO the
unequal operation of sympathy. or the tender
mercies of social and political influence with
their unjust Determinations"
j do not think that the objects. the condi-
tions. and the limitations thus suggested, are
contained in the bill under consideration
i adhere TO the sentiments thus heretofore
expressed. But the evil threatened by this
bill is in nv opinion such that cha rged with
a great responsibility in behalf of the people,
cannot do otherwise than to bring to the con-
sideration of this measure my best efforts of
thought and judgment, and perform my con-
stitutional duty in relation thereto. regardless
of all consequences, except such as appear to
me to be related to the best and highest inter-
ests of the country.
GROVER CLEVELAND.
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
WASHINGTON, Feb. IL, 1887.
THE WHITE STAR"